A university in San Francisco is breaking new ground with a bold addition to its academic offerings: a Bachelor of Science in Psychedelic Studies. The California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) is the first college in the United States to offer this type of undergraduate degree, signaling a major shift in how psychedelics are viewed in education and mental health.
A New Kind of Science Degree
Offered entirely online, the new program is designed for students interested in the growing field of psychedelic therapy and research. Before enrolling, students must complete 54 college credits in general education. Once accepted, they begin an intensive three-semester program focused on the science, culture, and therapeutic use of psychedelics.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including psychology, neuroscience, psychopharmacology, ethics, and research methods. It also includes global and Indigenous perspectives on psychedelics—making room for traditional knowledge systems alongside modern science.
CIIS is known for its progressive approach to education, and this degree continues that legacy by diving into a subject many institutions still consider taboo.
Why Psychedelics Matter in Mental Health
Psychedelics like MDMA and psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) are gaining attention in the medical world for their potential to treat mental health conditions such as PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. Research shows these substances can help people process trauma, find emotional clarity, and experience deep personal healing.
As studies on psychedelic-assisted therapy grow, universities like CIIS are stepping up to prepare the next generation of researchers, therapists, and policy advocates.
Legal Complications, Academic Curiosity
Even though California hasn’t legalized psychedelics for recreational or therapeutic use, interest in the topic is rising. States like Oregon and Colorado have already taken steps to legalize or decriminalize certain psychedelics under controlled conditions.
CIIS’s program emphasizes ethical research, public policy, and safety—key concerns as the legal and cultural conversations around psychedelics evolve.
Real-Life Stories, Real Motivation
Many students drawn to this program have personal experience with psychedelics. Michael Bochey, a firefighter from Los Angeles, turned to ayahuasca to heal from work-related trauma. Cassie Hope says her use of ayahuasca and mebufotenin (a substance from the Sonoran desert toad) helped her navigate postpartum depression and cancer recovery.
Their stories reflect a broader trend: more people are turning to psychedelics not just for spiritual insight, but as serious tools for healing. CIIS gives these individuals a chance to study the science behind their experiences—and potentially help others in the process.
Learning Without Borders
CIIS offers the entire program online through a flexible, self-paced platform. This makes the degree accessible to students throughout California and beyond, especially those living in rural or remote areas.
By removing the need to attend in-person classes, CIIS is making it easier for a wider and more diverse group of students to join this groundbreaking field.
Shaping the Future of Psychedelic Education
CIIS’s new degree isn’t just an academic experiment—it’s a response to real changes in science, medicine, and culture. As the conversation around psychedelics grows louder, this program could help shape how society views and uses these powerful substances in the years to come.
Whether students are interested in research, therapy, policy, or personal growth, the Bachelor of Science in Psychedelic Studies represents a new kind of education—one that dares to explore the mind’s untapped potential.
